A peaceful Sunday service in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into horror when gunfire and flames tore through a church. On September 28, a man stormed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opening fire before setting the building ablaze.
Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine. He drove a truck through the church doors before shooting into the crowd. Officers confronted him within minutes and fatally shot him outside. “Honestly, it’s been dreadful… brutal,” said Police Chief William Renye, describing the toll on the community.
By nightfall, four people were confirmed dead, with others injured and still missing. The ATF later revealed gasoline was used as an accelerant, and suspicious devices were also found. Officials fear the tragedy was carefully planned, though no motive has been confirmed.
Neighbors expressed shock, calling Sanford a quiet father and veteran who “might have just snapped.” As investigators search for answers, a grieving community is left asking: how could such violence erupt inside a house of worship?
